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Program Information

A woman dances on stage between a flute player and a harpist

Marie Lévêque, (dance), Jaume Darbra Fa (flutes), Stef Van Vynckt (harp), Evolution Classical 2023. Photo by Rita Taylor.

Overview

Fuse is a residency for the curious, who want to expand their artistic practice. Supported by collaborative mentors and an environment that encourages creative play, this program encourages musicians and ensembles to experiment, create, research, and grow in Banff Centre’s unrivalled mountain environment.  

Performers will collaborate on a large-scale project while also having the opportunity to form smaller ensembles to explore additional artistic expressions.

We invite musicians, singers, conductors, and concert experience creators working in Classical, Jazz, Electronic, and related disciplines to apply. 

Applicants may choose to apply with an existing project to expand through fresh perspectives and collaborative energy, although a project is not a condition of acceptance.

Description

Fuse allows space and time for creative impulses to drive new expressions. Expand your artistic vision, enhance creative confidence, and advance your career through:  

  • Contribution to a collaborative project throughout the program.
  • Small group collaborations, mentored by internationally renowned faculty; John de Lancie, Australian Chamber Orchestra, Keaton Hentoff-Killian, Bridie Hooper, Isabella Diaz, Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser and Nick Bernardino.
  • 24-hour access to one of Banff Centre's Performing Arts studios
  • One on one mentorship.
  • A safe and failure-friendly environment to take risks, tell stories with new forms, and try new expressions.
  • Workshops on aspects of the creative collaboration process, concert curation and career development.  
  • Time and collaborators to develop existing projects.
  • Outdoor group activities with faculty and peers.
  • Performance opportunities.
  • Engaging with other artistic disciplines at concerts and program events.

Requirements

This program is for musicians, conductors, composers and artistic directors working in Classical, Jazz or Electronic music.

  • Musician applicants should be able to demonstrate their interest in or their experience in collaborative projects, be it performances, installations or recordings
  • Conductors, artistic directors and composers with an interest or experience in creating interdisciplinary concert experiences are also encouraged to apply.
  • Small ensembles are welcome to apply.

Eligibility

Applicants must be 18+ at the time of the program start date. 

Domestic and international applications are welcome.

Visa Eligibility Information: 

  • Please note that Banff Centre programs do not meet the eligibility requirements for a Canadian Student Visa.
  • If you are accepted into our program, you must obtain a Visitor Visa to enter Canada. Accepted participants are responsible for identifying and complying with the immigration requirements to enter Canada as a visitor from their country of origin. If you require a Visitor Visa please check the current expected processing times well in advance of applying.

Inclusivity Statement

We welcome applicants of all ages (18+), backgrounds, gender identities and expressions to apply. Artists from historically underrepresented and equity deserving groups are especially welcome.

Itinerary

Arrivals: Sunday, April 12

Program Begins: Monday, April 13

Welcome Reception: Monday, April 13

Public Performances

  •  Large Project Sharing: Saturday, May 2 at the Jenny Belzberg Theatre

Additional performance and sharing opportunities may be available.

Australian Chamber Orchestra concerts

  • Saturday, April 25 in the Jenny Belzberg Theatre
  • Sunday, April 26 in CLVB'33

Closing Reception: Saturday, April 25

*All dates are subject to change.

Faculty

What's Included

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The meal plan is $68 credit per day.

Using a credit-based system to dine on campus, our flexible meal plans allow you to select meals according to your own needs during your stay at any of our food outlets. Banff Centre can respond to most dietary requests. 

 

Accommodations
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Your program fee includes a single bedroom on the Banff Centre campus for the duration of your program.

Get connected with other artists on campus and focus on your projects in a creative environment while we take care of the day-to-day essentials.

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Create in one of our specialized studios.

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This program offers opportunities to showcase your work-in-progress.

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Group seminars and workshops with faculty.

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The Paul D. Fleck Library and Archives are delighted to support Banff Centre Participants, Artists, and Faculty

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Fees & Financial Assistance

Total fee per person (Tuition, Accommodation and Meal Plan)
$8 722.35
Scholarship Amount Applied*
$6 881.18
You pay (accommodation & meal plan costs after scholarship applied)
$1 841.18

Application Fee

$65 for individuals or groups, $35 for applicants who identify as Indigenous.

The application fee is non-refundable. 100% of this fee goes towards the cost of administering the application in SlideRoom. 

Scholarships

We are pleased to offer scholarships to support participants in our program. Below are details regarding the scholarship amount and how they are applied.

  • Standard scholarship: covers 100% of tuition fees, and 50% of meals and accommodation costs.
  • Canadian Indigenous scholarship: covers 100% of tuition fees, meals, and accommodation costs.

To receive the standard scholarship, please complete the Financial Aid section when uploading your supporting materials.

Help fund your experience at Banff Centre by viewing our compiled list of national and international opportunities here.

Cancellations

Information on our cancellation policy can be found here.

Tax Information

Banff Centre will issue official tax receipts for eligible tuition fees and financial assistance and awards as required by the Income Tax Act. You will receive a T2202 (Tuition and Enrolment Certificate) for eligible tuition fees paid and a T4A (Statement of Pension, Retirement, Annuity, and Other Income) for applicable financial assistance and awards.

How to Apply

Learn more about the steps to Complete Your Application.

Step 1:

Complete the Online Form

Step 2:

Pay your application fee

Please login with the username and password emailed to you on completion of step 1.

Step 3:

Upload Your Materials

Resume

A two-page resume or C.V. describing academic, professional, and other relevant experience. 

Group applications should submit all resumes in one document. 

Cover Letter

A one-page cover letter explaining why you are interested in this program and what you hope to achieve by attending. Please include previous interdisciplinary projects you have led or participated in.

Project Proposal - Optional

If you are submitting a project, please provide a 500-word description of your proposed project, including the theme, an outline of materials and facilities that may be required, and a breakdown of timelines.

Resource Request Form - Optional

If applying with a project please complete the form outlining all studio, equipment, software, facility, or staff support required for your project. 

This form can be found in the SlideRoom portion of the application (Step 3 of the application process).

Portfolio

Provide up to three samples of your work on audio or video support, for a total maximum duration of approximately 10 minutes. You should aim to demonstrate the full scope of your capability by selecting contrasting works. Pre-formed ensembles must submit group recordings.

Financial Assistance

Be sure to complete the Financial Aid question in SlideRoom to be eligible for the financial assistance.

Group Applications

The lead applicant should complete:

  • Step 1: One application form
  • Step 2: Pay the $65 processing fee on behalf of the group
  • Step 3: One SlideRoom application

Note: An additional $35 registration fee will be added for each member upon acceptance to the program.

Adjudication

Participants are chosen by an adjudication panel comprising of internal and external assessors. The selection criteria include:

  • Quality, originality and artistic merit.
  • Required skills and experience.
  • The potential for the applicant's work to benefit from the program.
  • Banff Centre’s ability to support the project.

Our programs are highly competitive with a limited number of places available. Applicants will be notified of their selection status as soon as the adjudication process is complete. Due to the high volume of applications individual feedback will not be provided. 

Disclaimer

All programs, faculty, dates, fees, and offers of financial assistance are subject to change. Program fee is subject to applicable taxes. Non-refundable fees and deposits will be retained upon cancellation. Any other fees are refunded at the discretion of the Banff Centre. The application deadline is 11:59 p.m. Mountain Standard Time.

Contact Admissions

For questions on preparing your application, please contact Admissions:

Toll Free Number (Canada + USA)
1.800.565.9989
Phone
403.762.6180